VI ORGANIZATIONS
By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com The following are resource books and online resources specific to working with students who are blind or visually impaired. If there are additional resource books or websites you feel should be listed here, please let me know by completing the form below and I will add them. |
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About
Hi! I'm Carmen Willings. Welcome to my website! I developed this web resource to support fellow TVI's and to educate those new to the field of visual impairments in how to best support students who are blind or visually impaired. Read More
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General VI OrganizationsThe American Academy of Ophthalmology The American Academy of Ophthalmology or Eyenet –provides authoritative information about eye care for the public including eye diseases & conditions, information on glasses, contacts and LASIK, a symptom checker, and a search for ophthalmologists in your area.. Distributes information on eye disorders and low vision.
American Council of the Blind (ACB)The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a membership organization of people who are blind and visually impaired. Uses advocacy and education to improve the well-being of people who are visually impaired. The ACB holds an annual conference and convention which includes a trade show of all the latest high- and low-tech devices for blind and visually impaired individuals, a variety of seminars, workshops, and break-out sessions on a variety of topics for parents, students, teachers, braille users, guide dog users, visually impaired entrepreneurs, lawyers, and much more.
American Optometric Association The American Optometric Association provides information on low vision and maintains a list by state of their members who specialize in low vision.
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is the worlds’ largest agency devoted solely to creating products and services for people who are visually impaired. Their publications, assistive devices, and materials are available through catalogs and on line. In addition, APH also offers webcasts on a wide range of topics including trainings specific to products offered by APH.
Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) The Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) is an international membership organization of professionals who work in all phases of education and rehabilitation of children
and adults who are blind and visually impaired. AER offers online courses through the Mangold online program. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a non-profit organization that provides information, directories, publications, and links on visual impairment and blindness issues. They promote employment, independent living, literacy, and technology for people with visual impairments. They also provide referrals to local rehabilitation services. The AFB eLearning Center offers an accessible Learning environment that includes online courses, webinars (both live and archived), and ePublications. They also hold the annual AFB Leadership Conference.
The Carroll Center for the BlindThe Carroll Center for the Blind provides help for people who are blind including training and adaptive devices to individuals of all ages who have lost their sight so they can live independent and fulfilling lives. They also offer technical training and low vision products as well as online courses and video tutorials.
Division of Visual ImpairmentThe primary purpose of the Division of Visual Impairment is to advance the education of individuals with visual impairments and to promote related educational, scientific, and charitable purposes. Specifically, the Division intends: to assist and provide support to The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in all its efforts on behalf of persons with exceptionalities, and to participate in all appropriate governance activities of CEC subject to the general supervision and control of CEC.
Do It BlindDo It Blind is a leader in JAWS script development (a proprietary programming language) and Blind Accessibility solutions. Their primary goal is to empower the visually impaired through the use of cutting edge technology, screen readers and JAWS script programming.
Envision Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. Education is a central focus of Envision’s mission but the organization also presents various programs throughout the year for specialists and for students who are blind and visually impaired, including several assistive technology camps for middle and high school students. Their annual conference brings in experts from around the globe to share information, and a series of grand rounds programs focusing on specific areas of low vision.
International Council for Education of People with Visual ImpairmentInternational Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) is a global association of individuals and organizations that promotes equal access to appropriate education for all children and youth with visual impairment so that they may achieve their full potential. Their website includes information that is relevant not only to ICEVI in general, but, most importantly, to the activities that take place in the seven regions of ICEVI: Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America/Caribbean, Pacific, and West Asia.
Lighthouse International Lighthouse International provides vision rehabilitation services, education, research, prevention and advocacy. It can refer you to service providers in your area. Lighthouse provides professional development and public education. It also conducts researching the area of visual impairments.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB)The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is "the oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United States. Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and successful.”
National Technical Assistance Center on Blindness and Visual ImpairmentNational Technical Assistance Center on Blindness and Visual Impairment (NTAC-BVI) in or with the field of rehabilitation of persons who are blind or visually impaired. Most are available through PowerPoint slide and lecture. In order to get continuing education credit,the student must complete a full course, pass the quiz with a score of at least 80% and complete a course evaluation.
The Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education (NERCVE) The Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education (NERCVE) is committed to improving education for people with visual disabilities. In addition to in-person and online training and professional development (see their University of Massachusetts listing under Professional Preparation Programs), they host an employment board, professional directory, and Listserv. Although their focus is on the Northeast Region of the United States, they provide valuable information and current news and events that are applicable to all regions.
Paths to Literacy Paths to Literacy is a collaborative project between the Perkins School for the Blind and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). These two schools have combined their resources and expertise in order to assist educators and families in providing literacy experiences for children who are blind or visually impaired. Information includes an overview of literacy and challenges specific to students who are visually impaired. Join their blog for the latest information!
Positive Eye Postive Eye director, Gwyneth McCormack, provides training and consultation to Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments across the UK. In addition to courses, she offers a Shared Ideas page with great activity suggestions on a range of topics specific to working with students who are blind or visually impaired as well as a Top Access Tips page with curriculum access suggestions.
Prevent Blindness America Postive Eye director, Gwyneth McCormack, provides training and consultation to Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments across the UK. In addition to courses, she offers a Shared Ideas page with great activity suggestions on a range of topics specific to working with students who are blind or visually impaired as well as a Top Access Tips page with curriculum access suggestions.
Braille OrganizationsBraille Authority of North America (BANA) The Braille Authority of North America promotes and facilitates the use, teaching and production of braille. It publishes rules, interprets and renders opinions pertaining to braille. Publications include the Literary Braille, Computer Braille, Nemeth code, Chemistry Code, Music Code and References on Updates. provides publications available for download.
Braille InstituteThe Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. They offer free programs, classes and services in Southern California, but also offer online resources about vision loss.
DuxburyDuxbury provides downloadable braille charts at no charge. The charts are meant for summary reference only as there are many rules for producing braille.
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